I bike everywhere and notice the discarded waste everywhere. I think it's something we have to accept, much as I'd like (and do try) to change it. I've been finding a lot of beauty in some of it, and, lately, I've been emoting with it! I feel like a cast-out piece of trash sometimes. I feel spent and used at times. I also know my time, like the use of these items, is finite. And that my time in some peoples' lives ends before my time actually does, kind of like the residual trash of another act--once that iced coffee drink is done, the plastic to-go cup is not.

The work also takes further Duchamp's ready-made (I know--how trite! Bear with me!). Not only are these objects already made, they are already imbued with history--something essential to art. They have been altered from their original (be it hand or machine-made) by human and environmental interaction, and tell this story in their form, as well as by our understanding and associations with the item (for example, a Dutch Bros plastic cup).

Additionally, I am referencing Arte Povera from the 1960s and 70s, primarily in Italy.

Saturday night's opening for "Unlucky in Love" was a huge success. So many folks came out from the community and were very excited about the artwork in the show. Check out the rest of the photos, here. If you missed it, we are having an additional reception on Thursday February 18, 2016 from 5-8pm during Corvallis Arts Walk. The gallery is located at 460 Madison Ave #7.

Ugly Art Room will announce the theme on the 1st of each month. Artwork is sent by participating artists and arrives no later than the 25th of that month. Depending on the number of submissions, at least five pieces will be selected and opened on camera. A video will be posted by the last day of that month and the following month's mail art challenge theme will be announced. All original work in any medium can be submitted as long as the work can fit into an 8 1/2 x 12" bubble mailer. Work MUST be sent with a SASE so it can be returned. Work will be on display during Corvallis Arts Walk which takes place the third Thursday of each month. Work will be made available for sale on Ugly Art Room's website until the following month.

Join us for an anti-Valentine's art show on February 13, 2015 from 6-9pm. Aside from our group art show, there will be $25 flash tattoos, snacks and libations provided by Corvallis Brewing Supply. Please RSVP on Facebook.

You’ve tried everything - potions, spells, frogs, wizards, psychics and some good old internet stalking, but the one you love is just beyond your reach. You are unlucky in love. Original artwork and prints in editions of 200 or less in any medium of any size will be considered for this juried Valentine's themed show. Ideas to explore but not limited to: love, lust, sex, romance, Valentine's Day, heartbreak, luck, superstition.

PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY:• To submit your artwork complete the form below.• If your artwork is chosen you will receive an email with detailed delivery instructions.• Artwork drop-off or mail by date: February 10, 2015, 5:30-6:30pm• Artwork pick-up date: February 19, 2015, 5:30-6:30pm• All artwork that is mailed must be sent with a SASE, so it can be returned. • DO NOT mail artwork unless you have received an email confirming its inclusion in the show.• Use additional forms for each artwork submitted.

Winter is upon us - at least in the Northern Hemisphere - a time for hibernation, resolutions, and trying to keep warm and cheery when it’s dark and cold outside. In Fashion, this season after the Holidays - isn’t know as “Winter” - even though the other seasons are called Spring, Summer and Fall. Instead, many designers term it “Cruise.” Mannequins in store windows along snowy busy city streets are bikini clad wearing sunglasses and shady hats to protect them from the tropical sun. While passersby battle snow drifts and bunching up long underwear, these lifeless models mock the blustery reality outside their own windowed enclosures. Escape is the theme of this month’s mail art challenge. Where do you run to (in your mind, on paper, in your car, in your dreams) when you need to leave it all behind? Do you dare go on a cruise?

Deadline: January 25, 2016

Mail to original artwork no larger than 8.5x12" to:

Ugly Art Room460 Madison Ave, #7Corvallis, OR 97333

Include the following information:

Name:Email or Phone:Title:Year:Medium:Price:Website/FB/IG Handle:

How it it works:

Ugly Art Room will announce the theme on the 1st of each month. Artwork is sent by participating artists and arrives no later than the 25th of that month. Depending on the number of submissions, at least five pieces will be selected and opened on camera. A video will be posted by the last day of that month and the following month's mail art challenge theme will be announced. All original work in any medium can be submitted as long as the work can fit into an 8 1/2 x 12" bubble mailer. Work MUST be sent with a SASE so it can be returned. Work will be on display during Corvallis Arts Walk which takes place the third Thursday of each month. Work will be made available for sale on Ugly Art Room's website until the following month.